PALM HARBOR -- They laughed at Gov. Chris Christie's jokes, they ate French toast made with Cuban bread, they listened to Newt Gingrich's professorial lecture.

At today's "Fresh From Florida Victory Breakfast," delegates to the GOP national convention heard the long and the short of Republican hopes to win the White House in November with presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Kathleen King, chairman of the Republican Party of Manatee, said she particularly appreciated the contrasts the speakers made in regard to the leadership of the nation.

"Gov. Christie talked about the vacuum in leadership," she said. "He contrasted Republican versus Democratic leadership throughout the country."

Manatee alternate delegate John Colon also appreciated Christie's speech.

"Christie, he was great," Colon said following the breakfast at Innisbrook Resort & Spa in Palm Harbor, where the Florida delegation to the convention is housed. "He was better than great."

Colon also liked what former House speaker Newt Gingrich had to say, emphasizing how important it is for Republicans to win in Florida in November.

Colon called Gingrich "the smartest guy in the room, politically."

"Nobody surpasses Newt in that arena," said Colon.